Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 70

Adelaide

The moment we left the Greywolf Pack territory, Lycanthar signaled for increased pace. In a shimmer of silver light, he and the accompanying werewolf warriors transformed into magnificent wolves, their fur gleaming like polished metal in the morning sun.

I remained astride my deep brown horse, the only human figure among these powerful creatures, yet I felt no fear of the solitude that came with traveling alongside such formidable beings.

As our party traversed the border forests, the landscape gradually shifted from lush greenery to desolation. Verdant trees gave way to cracked earth and sparse, withered grass. The closer we drew to Ember Peak, the more scorching the temperature became, until even the air seemed to shimmer with heat.

Days of arduous travel left their mark on my face—chapped lips, flushed cheeks from the burning sun, and bloodshot eyes. Yet I maintained my straight posture, refusing to become a burden to our party.

Lycanthar's golden beast eyes caught every detail of my struggle—the way I surreptitiously wiped sweat from my brow, how my fingers trembled slightly as I gripped the reins. He came to a halt, releasing a deep howl that signaled the party to rest in the shelter of nearby rocks.

After shifting back to human form, he approached me directly, offering a water pouch and strips of dried meat, his voice carrying an unusual gentleness. "Drink some water, eat something." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Are you... all right?" The simple inquiry revealed an extraordinary concern.

I accepted the water pouch, my throat tightening with emotion. Taking careful sips of the cool liquid that soothed my parched throat, I managed a weary but genuine smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm fine, please don't worry about me." My violet eyes met his directly, steady and clear.

Lycanthar gazed at me intently, his brow furrowed as if attempting to solve a complex puzzle. "Why?" he asked suddenly, his voice low and confused. "Why do you insist on following, knowing the dangers ahead? You could have remained safe at camp."

His gaze seemed intent on seeing through to my very soul. I thought of his tenderness in the royal tent, his cold demeanor toward Liliana before our departure, and the subtle care he had shown me along the way. I set down my water pouch, took a deep breath, and decided to open my heart to him.

"Because I cannot stand by and watch you face danger alone," I said softly but firmly. "No matter how treacherous the path ahead, I want to advance and retreat alongside you. Not as your attendant or Moon Bride, but as... someone who cares about you." My final words were nearly a confession, my eyes shimmering with undeniable emotion.

Lycanthar was visibly shaken by my honesty. His expression grew complex, as if experiencing an intense internal battle. After a long moment, he spoke slowly, his voice steady yet touched with an imperceptible softness. "The current crisis demands our full attention." His gaze briefly shifted away before returning to my face. "When we resolve this disaster and return to the keep, I will give you an answer. This is my promise."

After our rest, the party resumed its journey. I felt new strength flowing through both body and spirit—not merely from the brief respite, but from the hope Lycanthar's promise had kindled in my heart.

When we finally reached the foot of Ember Peak, I couldn't help but hold my breath. The mountain's summit appeared consumed by roaring flames, pillars of fire shooting skyward and staining the heavens blood-red.

As Lycanthar and his accompanying wolves prepared to ascend the mountain path, they encountered an invisible energy barrier. Suddenly, a voice like a thousand birds singing in unison echoed from the peak, ethereal yet commanding: "Who dares intrude upon the Phoenix's domain?"

Lycanthar shifted back to human form, resplendent in his wolf king armor, straightening his spine and responding with ancient werewolf protocol. "I am Lycanthar, King of the wolves, come to lift the curse that plagues my people, humbly requesting the gift of a phoenix feather." His voice was steady and respectful, displaying royal dignity.

The Phoenix's voice rang out again, filled with scrutiny and consideration: "Wolf King, I sense your sincerity. However, only the true Wolf King and his Moon Bride may enter my domain. All others must remain below."

Lycanthar's brow furrowed, clearly reluctant to expose me to danger. Yet I stepped forward without hesitation, firmly grasping his hand. My eyes held no fear, only determination. "We go together."

Lycanthar looked at me, surprise and deep admiration flashing in his eyes. Finally, he nodded in agreement, commanding the remaining wolves to wait at the mountain's base, then walked hand in hand with me through the invisible barrier.

Climbing Ember Peak proved a supreme test of will and endurance. The treacherous mountain path was strewn with razor-sharp volcanic rock, heated until nearly untouchable. My boots threatened to melt with each step, as if treading on searing griddles. Lycanthar maintained his firm grip on my hand, supporting me through the most perilous passages. As we ascended, the air grew increasingly thin, making each breath a struggle.

When we finally reached the summit, the sight before us was breathtaking—a massive wall of fire encircled the peak, blazing flames shooting skyward in a perfect ring. The Phoenix's voice emerged from the heart of the inferno, clear and mysterious: "To claim my feather, you must pass through this trial of flame. Courage shall be your only shield."

Lycanthar and I stood before the wall of fire, feeling the crushing heat waves. In this moment of life and death, all hesitation and doubt crystallized into firm resolve. Lycanthar gripped my hand tightly, and I returned the pressure with equal force. We took a deep breath, gazed into each other's eyes, then stepped forward in unison, walking resolutely into the seemingly all-consuming flames.

Fire immediately engulfed us both. I felt unbearable burning pain sweep through my entire body, as if every inch of skin was being scorched by the inferno. I instinctively wanted to scream, but found my voice drowned by the flames' roar. Just when I thought I would be reduced to ash, the burning sensation suddenly vanished, and I was surrounded by complete darkness. I found myself floating in an endless black void, with Lycanthar nowhere to be seen, absolute solitude enveloping me.

The Phoenix's voice echoed through the darkness: "Congratulations on passing the trial of courage, Moon Bride. Now comes the test of trust." The voice paused before growing more serious. "Should you fail, your consciousness will be trapped in this void forever, and your body will turn to ash in reality. Are you certain you wish to continue?"

I hesitated for a moment, not from fear of the trial, but from concern for my companion. "Wait—where is Lycanthar?"

The Phoenix's voice carried a note of understanding. "The Wolf King faces his own trial, Moon Bride. Each soul must confront what lies deepest within their heart, and his path differs from yours. Fear not—should you both succeed, you will be reunited. Should either fail..." The voice trailed off meaningfully.

My heart clenched with worry for him, but I knew there was no choice but to press forward. Without further hesitation, I nodded firmly. "I accept the trial."

The instant those words left my lips, the black space began to twist and reshape, colors and forms emerging from nothingness, gradually composing a familiar scene—towering ivory spires, exquisite stained glass windows, magnificent marble corridors...

I looked around in shock, my heart racing—this was where I had grown up, the royal palace of the Kingdom of Eldoria. I didn't know why I had been brought here, whether this was illusion or reality, but an ominous premonition rose in my heart that this "trial of trust" would surely concern my deepest secret.